Bill Wright spent decades catering to the needs of die-hard sailors. For more than a decade, JSI supplied everything from sails to spars from its shop on Gandy Boulevard. But earlier this year, Wright moved his marine supplies store to Third Avenue South in downtown St. Petersburg and now has equipment for everyone from weekend warriors to open-ocean racers.

So if you have a man in your life who loves the water, forget about another tie or bottle of cologne this Father's Day. Buy him something that he can actually use on those special days he gets to play in the wind and waves.

McMurdo FastFind 210 with GPS

Keep dad safe on the water with what is billed as the world's most compact and affordable satellite personal locator beacon. Get found fast with a PLB that is no bigger than a standard mobile telephone. Weighing just 5.3 ounces, McCurdo FastFind fits easily into a backpack or personal flotation device. This handheld device will transmit an emergency message that will pinpoint your location anywhere on Earth. Cost: $299.99

Bimini Bay Dry Release Fishing Shirt

Keep dad cool and protected from the sun when he is out fishing or boating. The manufacturer claims this material will dry four times faster than cotton. An added bonus: Ultraviolet protection and fresh guard, so the big guy doesn't come home smelling like a wet dog. Cost: $32.99

Atlantis Weather Gear, Microburst Suit

The field testers at JSI are hard-core sailors, boaters and fishermen. They claim this is the best rain gear they've found that works in Florida's unique climate. The jacket and pants are lightweight, packable, waterproof, breathable & windproof. Made of lightweight ripstop nylon with waterproof-taped seams, this rain suit is a must for every dad's dry bag. Cost: jacket, $129.99; pants, $89.99

Gill, Coast Lite, Long Jacket

This jacket will keep dad dry when he gets caught out on the water by the inevitable afternoon thunderstorms. Long enough to cover the shorts, the Coast Lite is waterproof, breathable and has plenty of pockets that will carry emergency items, such as cell phone, flash light and a Snickers bar. Cost: $148.80

Gill, Tech Polo

Dad can look sharp on the water and at the yacht club. Made with lightweight performance fabric, the Tech Polo provides breathability, fast and permanent wicking for comfort and sun protection of UPF 50-plus. This shirt would make a great addition to any boater's wardrobe. Cost: $37.50

Harken, Roll-Top Wet/Dry Bag

A step up from the normal "dry bag," the Harken has straps so it can be carried like a backpack, which helps when you have to carry a lot of gear to the dock or boat ramp. The stitch-free waterproof construction and roll-top closure of protects valuables from rain, sea spray and the occasional dunking. Cost: $40.80

Davis, key buoy

Dad will never lose his keys overboard again. If he does, a 14-inch inflated tube will extend above the water so he can grab them. The key buoy rises to the surface in as fast as 60 seconds and will work with items weighing up to 2.8 ounces. Cost: $5.59

BlueStorm, X-Treme 33 PFD

Don't let dad leave home without this one. A great value automatic PFD, this vest is so comfortable, he will forget that he has it on. This USCG Type III PFD also has a zippered external pocket that can hold other safety gear. Cost: $99.97

Source: JSI, 2233 Third Ave. S., St. Petersburg. For more information and directions, go to www.newjsi.com or call toll-free 1-800-652-4914.

A Father's Day gift guide for those dads who love to play in the wind and waves 06/18/09
[Last modified: Friday, June 19, 2009 6:42am]
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